Mechanical engineering senior Grace Cordle graduates in Spring 2025 from Florida State University and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
FAMU-FSU engineering student Grace Cordle shares her journey developing robotic prosthetic legs and how the college’s diverse community prepared her for a career in biomedical innovation
Grace Cordle is completing her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, where she conducts undergraduate research in Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins’ robotics lab. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Cordle aims to make a positive impact through her work in prosthetic design. She recently shared insights into her passion for biomechanics and her academic journey.
Finding Community in Engineering
“I chose FAMU-FSU College of Engineering because of its rich multiculturalism, opportunities and learning experiences. Although belonging can sometimes be challenging, I never felt that way on campus. We learn a great deal from our differences and I wanted to be a part of a school that fosters that,” Cordle explains.
Her fascination with engineering stems from the human-centered approach to design. “I’m fascinated by how engineers design things with the human/end user in mind. I appreciate that engineering allows me to use both the right and left sides of my brain. It allows me to be both analytical and creative while solving problems.”
Making an Impact Through Robotics Research
In Professor Higgins’s robotics lab, Cordle works on the open-source leg (OSL), a robotic prosthetic leg project that aligns perfectly with her career aspirations.
“[Professor Higgins’] is one of the most incredible professors I have ever met and I feel truly honored and proud to be a part of her team,” Cordle says. “This experience has demonstrated the significant impact that technology can have on someone’s life. I have gained valuable technical and interpersonal skills throughout this project and my time in Professor Higgins’s lab. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity she has provided me.”
Turning Dreams into Reality
Completing the build process for the OSL ranks as Cordle’s proudest achievement during her academic career.
“I came into engineering expecting to work in prosthetics but quickly realized that that is a niche part of engineering, so I gave up hope,” she recalls. “I was ecstatic when Professor Higgins came to FAMU-FSU because I realized I could achieve my goal of working with prosthetics. Being put on the OSL project was amazing, but nothing compared to the proud feeling of building the leg. I accomplished something I never imagined and it was rewarding.”
Embracing Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Cordle emphasizes the importance of extracurricular involvement for current and future engineering students.
“Immerse yourself in as many experiences as possible during your time here. While your classes are important, the experiences and opportunities you pursue outside them hold even greater value,” she advises.
Her involvement includes organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi. These experiences and her research work have enriched her education beyond traditional coursework.
“FAMU-FSU has provided me with an incredible network of friends, peers and professors, which has been vital to my educational experience. The memories and connections I’ve made here have shaped me into who I am today and I am genuinely grateful for the opportunities this school has given me.”
Looking Forward
After graduation, Cordle will move to the Salt Lake City area to work as a manufacturing engineer in Procter & Gamble’s feminine care department.
“I look forward to this opportunity and everything I will learn!” she says.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: May 1, 2025.
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